Police called to protest inside local restaurant
Police were called to clear out a group of protesters who went inside the McDonald’s on West Chestnut Street in North Franklin Township at noon Thursday as part of a nationwide protest of the wages paid to fast-food workers.
North Franklin police Sgt. Dean Urbanic said the initial call was that there was a fight at the restaurant, but there was none. About 10 protesters were inside the restaurant with signs, protesting peacefully, but left in their vehicles as police from Washington and North Franklin arrived. There were no arrests.
McDonald’s spokeswoman Lisa McComb said the protesters came from outside groups and traveled to their fast-food restaurants and other retail outlets across the county.
“The events taking place are not strikes,” McComb said. “Outside groups are traveling to McDonald’s and other outlets to stage rallies.”
Fast-food workers and members of labor groups protested at restaurants around the country Thursday in support of a boost in the minimum wage to $15.